Mini JCW Countryman pricing confirmed

The latest addition to Mini’s high-performance stable, the John Cooper Works Countryman, has arrived in Australian showrooms priced from $56,900 (plus on-road costs).

The fourth model in the fettled JCW range, the Countryman joins similarly-minded and similarly-powered siblings including the 3-door, Convertible and Clubman.

Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol that makes 170kW/350Nm, sending drive to all four-wheels. Nought to 100km/h takes 6.5 seconds, irrespective of whether the eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission is doing the shifting.

Engine modifications in the JCW include a revised turbocharger, pistons and exhaust system.

The Countryman is available with three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Green. The latter mode is best for achieving the car’s claimed 7.4L/100km fuel rating (7.8L for manual).

In performance terms, the JCW variant differentiates itself from the garden-variety Countryman with Brembo brakes, 19-inch JCW alloy wheels, exterior highlights including JCW side scuttles, and specific dual exhaust outlets finished in chrome.

Inside, the hi-po variant features JCW sports seats, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and other bespoke finishes.

The car’s standard safety suite comprises six airbags, active cruise control, forward collision alert, city crash mitigation with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

LED headlights, a 12-speaker Haman/Kardon HiFi system, head-up display and 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with sat-nav are among the car’s standard features.

The JCW is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty, and is offered with a five-year servicing scheme that is payable up front.